Kundo Berbere ቁንዶ በርበሬ - Wild Black Pepper

Black pepper is one of the oldest and most widespread spices in the world. It is native to India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa and the West Indies.

In Ethiopia, black pepper is called "Kundo Berbere" or "Yebahir Kimem". In its cuisine, the spice is used for seasoning many dishes. Either on its own, or in the spice blend “Mekelesha”, it is added to soups and stews that need an extra dose of spiciness and flavour.

The perennial plant grows up to 10 meters high and requires particularly heavy rainfall and high temperatures. The spice is mainly cultivated in the south and southwestern regions of Ethiopia, such as in Tepi, Gemadro and Bebeka, but it is also abundant in the Shekicho, Mejenger and Benchmaji regions. Interestingly, it is often planted among coffee bushes.